Qian’An City, China – The least known of the six-man Philippine team to the Asian-Oceanian Olympic Qualifying Event, Roldan Boncales Jr., bore the responsibility of leading off the country’s campaign here on the second day of competitions Saturday.
Looking a bit overwhelmed at the task, the 23 year-old flyweight from General Santos City, had to draw on his combinations to fend off a spirited challenge from Vietnam national champion Tran Von Thao, 24.
Boncales got the nod of all three judges from Kazakhstan, Lithuania and Belarus who turned in identical 30-27 cards.
“Parang natulala at sumusuntok na lang by instinct. Kaya sinabuyan ko ng tubig at sinabi ko mag-focus at huwag intindihin ang crowd. Natauhan naman at lumaban ng laban niya,” said coach Nolito Velasco.
Boncales vowed to be more focused in his next fight set today against No. 4 seed Olzhas Sattibayev of Kazakhstan.
As off presstime last night, female boxer Nesthy Petecio was going up against Jennifer Chieng of Micronesia who actually fights in the US She is reported to be half-Filipina.
Charly Suarez, seeded number 2 in the lightweight class, was also fighting last night against Chinese-Taipei’s Lai Chu En who upset Turkmenistan’s Imankuliyev in a split decision Saturday.
Rogen Ladon and Eumir Felix Marcial, seeded number one in the light flyweight and welterweight classes, respectively, will have their first fight today along with bantamweight Mario Fernandez, who drew a bye.